Super Yacht of the Week: VICKY

The largest yacht built by Baglietto to date, VICKY is our super yacht of the week. Baglietto are famous for creations such the extraordinary RC built for fierce fashion king Roberto Cavalli, as well as MY SPACE one of our favourite and most highly rated yachts. VICKY has a timeless elegance in her styling which stems from a sleek and sporty design on her super structure, along with stand-out grey hull with a striking red waterline.

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The British Virgin Islands: Your Own Sailing Adventure

It’s officially autumn, or fall, in the northern hemisphere, and many of us are starting to see the temperatures drop. If this is the case for you, why not think about the light at the end of the tunnel, and organise your winter holiday or spring break in the British Virgin Islands?

Boats moored in White Bay on Jost Van Dyke, BVI

The home of the bareboat yacht charter, crewed catamarans are also highly popular in the BVI – but don’t worry, you can always choose a motor yacht if sailing isn’t your thing. It’s almost always summer in the Caribbean, so there will be no need for your woolly hat and gloves here!

Now, we know that there is plenty to see and do in the British Virgin Islands, but what about the islands’ history which has made it the place it is today?

The beach at Dead Man's Bay, Peter Island

The British Virgin Islands were, once upon a time, popular with pirates after its discovery as the English, Dutch, French, Spanish and Danish all attempted to gain control. The country’s pirate history has been remembered through the names given to bays and islands; Captain Norman, a pirate who was hanged by the Spanish Guarda Costas is the name behind Norman Island; “Black Sam” Bellamy is the inspiration behind the name of Bellamy Cay, the islet he used as a base which gives a good vantage point across the Sir Francis Drake Channel – again, named after the English hero of the Spanish Armada.

Snorkelling at the Caves on Norman Island

Blackbeard, the famous pirate of legend, is also noted in the names of two islands, Great Thatch and Little Thatch. These names come from one of the other names the pirate was known by, Edward Thatch, and Dead Man’s Bay on Peter Island gained its name from the story of Blackbeard’s marooned men who then tried to swim to safety on Peter Island but drowned in their attempt.

Dead Man's Beach, Peter Island, British Virgin Islands

Of course, the British Virgin Islands are said to have inspired R.L. Stevenson in his writing of Treasure Island, and if you want to come and explore the culture and history, and see these namesake places yourself, a yacht charter with Boatbookings will provide you with your own unforgettable island adventure. And don’t worry – these pirates are long gone!

Mexico Bareboat Charters: New Base Opening October 2014

Here at Boatbookings.com, the bareboat team are constantly on the search for new and exiting places to go sailing, so it is with great excitement that we learn of a new charter base opening in Mexico.

Enjoy the glorious beaches of Mexico

A small fleet of charter yachts comprising of monohulls and catamarans will be available from La Paz. Described by famed French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau as “the world’s aquarium” and “the Galapagos of North America”, this beautiful region combines stunning desert vistas with world-class sailing in the Sea of Cortez. La Paz may be the region’s commercial and political center but this city has retained its’ laid back coastal vibe.  Meaning ‘peace’ in Spanish, La Paz is set amongst ancient laurel trees, coconut and date palms and is surrounded by the beautiful yellow desert.

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Start your charter from the exclusive Costa Baja resort which offers a full service marina, dive shop, supermarket and various restaurants, before heading out to the Sea of Cortez which has been drawing sailors to the peaceful corner of Mexico for generations.  Set sail on the sporty Dufour 455 or choose from a range of Lagoon catamarans or a power cat – the Sea of Cortez awaits!

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Whet your appetite with our 7 day sailing itinerary in Mexico perfect for your bareboat charter. If you have any more questions about chartering in Mexico, contact Boatbookings today!